The Reds have their closer in a great deal. They signed former Phillies closer Ryan Madson to a one year, $6 million deal. Madson was the Phillies closer for the first time in his nine year career and he put together some solid numbers but when he went looking for a long term deal, nobody came knocking. Madson’s loss is the Reds win because now they have a better closer at a better price.

Madson gave up just two home runs in 60 2/3 innings and he struck out 62 with just 16 walks. Ultimately, the Reds will be on the hook for $8.5 million because there’s an $11 million mutual option for 2013 with a $2.5 million buy out. Madson ran into problems when other closers were signed early and now he has an out if he’s lights out in 2012.